Shoresearch is a volunteer scheme to identify and record animals, plants, and habitats along our shoreline. The aim of the scheme is to build a baseline of data on intertidal wildlife around Sussex, to help promote its conservation.

The Sussex Shoresearch team

Sussex Shoresearch is led by Ronnie Reed and Erin Pettifer of Sussex Wildlife Trust, Gerald Legg from the Booth Museum of Natural History, Brighton and Robin Thorpe of the South Downs Joint Committee.

Shoresearch Surveys

The Sussex Shoresearch team organises a programme of survey events throughout the year when we visit selected sites around the coast and collect a full record of the species and habitats we find.

These events are a good opportunity for those new to marine life identification to learn in the field from the experienced Shoresearchers. We are on the shore for about 2-3 hours, and usually get together for a coffee afterwards, giving us time to complete the recording form for that day.

Everyone is welcome - you do not need to have any knowledge of marine life

Click here for Shoresearch Survey Dates

However we do ask that you book each event approximately two weeks in advance; this allows us to confirm numbers and ensure we have the appropriate equipment. Booking information is with event information.

For surveys, please bring along:

• Appropriate clothing for weather conditions on the day (warm clothing and
  waterproof trousers are often useful).
  
• Sturdy footwear - wellies or other waterproof footwear, preferably with good ankle
  support.
  
• Sun cream and a hat for appropriate skin protection
  
• Any food required and a good supply of drinking water
  
• A hand lens is useful, if you have one.
  
• Washing-up gloves are useful for poking about in rock-pools in cold
  weather!
  
• Collins Pocket Guide to the Sea Shore of Britain and Northern Europe is a useful field guide (although not essential).
  

Shoresearch Data

All the records gathered by Shoresearch are entered into the national database 'Marine Recorder'. Along with the data from the complementary SCUBA diver survey, Seasearch, Shoresearch records can then be used to help build our knowledge of the marine environment; to identify the county's most important sites, habitats and species; and to highlight changes.

For further information about Shoresearch and marine conservation in the local area, please contact:

Ronnie Reed, Sussex Wildlife Trust,
tel: 01323870100
email: ronniereed@sussexwt.org.uk

Erin Pettifer, Sussex Wildlife Trust
tel: 01273 497572
email:erinpettifer@sussexwt.org.uk